Holiday Traditions of Luxembourg

"Frohliche Weihnachten"

Holiday Traditions in Luxembourg

The Christmas season in Luxembourg is full of festive lights and decorations, with streets and store windows in major cities beautifully illuminated from the beginning of December. Christmas trees adorned with glittering ornaments are placed in public squares, while outdoor Christmas markets across the country attract many holiday shoppers. Although French is the official language, German is taught in schools, and English is also widely spoken. The majority of the population in Luxembourg is Roman Catholic, making Christmas a significant celebration.

Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass

Christmas Eve in Luxembourg is typically celebrated with family and friends. Many people attend Midnight Mass, after which families gather for supper. A traditional Luxembourg winter meal might include black pudding served with mashed potatoes and apple sauce. Midnight Mass at the Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maure in Clervaux, a small picturesque town in the Ardennes, is particularly famous and has even been televised in recent years.

Christmas Day Festivities

In addition to family gatherings, clubs and associations often organize special events on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some cities put on Nativity plays with children as actors, while others host Christmas concerts on the afternoon of December 25th. In certain villages, these concerts are followed by Christmas tree auctions, with the proceeds going to charity organizations.

St. Nicolas Day

Luxembourg does not have Santa Claus at Christmastime, but the country celebrates St. Nicolas Day on December 6th. One week before St. Nicolas Day, children place their slippers outside their bedroom doors in the evenings, hoping St. Nicolas will fill them with small gifts during the night. On the eve of December 6th, children set a plate on the kitchen or dining-room table, which St. Nicolas fills with sweets and gifts. St. Nicolas also visits schools to bring joy to the children.

While Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are celebrated with religious observances and family traditions, the anticipation of St. Nicolas Day remains a cherished holiday event for children across Luxembourg.

Holiday Traditions

Video by DjemoGraphic

Traditional Luxembourg Holiday Recipes

Luxembourg’s holiday celebrations are filled with delicious traditional dishes that are prepared and enjoyed with family and friends. These recipes reflect the rich culinary heritage of the country and are often part of Christmas and St. Nicolas Day festivities. Here are a few authentic Luxembourg holiday recipes:

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1. Gromperekichelcher (Potato Pancakes)

Gromperekichelcher are traditional Luxembourgish potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are popular during the holiday season, often served as a festive appetizer or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Grate the potatoes and squeeze out any excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes, onion, garlic, egg, flour, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening them slightly with a spatula.
4. Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Gromperekichelcher are often enjoyed with apple sauce or sour cream.

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2. Judd mat Gaardebounen (Smoked Pork with Broad Beans)

Judd mat Gaardebounen is a traditional Luxembourgish dish made with smoked pork neck and broad beans. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs smoked pork neck
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb broad beans, fresh or frozen
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the smoked pork neck in a large pot and cover with water. Add the onions, carrots, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pork is tender.
2. In a separate pot, cook the broad beans in boiling water until tender, about 5-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, then gradually add 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid from the pork. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the cream to the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked broad beans and simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
5. Slice the smoked pork and serve with the broad beans and sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

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3. Boxemännercher (St. Nicolas Day Brioche Men)

Boxemännercher are sweet brioche bread figures traditionally baked for St. Nicolas Day in Luxembourg. These bread men are a favorite treat among children and are often given as gifts on December 6th.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Raisins for decoration
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and cover. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions. Shape each portion into a figure of a man. Use raisins to create eyes and buttons on the figures.
6. Place the figures on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg yolk.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

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4. Bouneschlupp (Green Bean Soup)

Bouneschlupp is a traditional Luxembourgish green bean soup, typically enjoyed during the colder months. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Add the green beans, potatoes, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

These traditional Luxembourg holiday recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Enjoy these flavorful dishes as you celebrate Christmas and St. Nicolas Day!

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